How Fat Cats Benefit from Cat Trees

 

 

Today the cat tree that we bought at Chewy arrived and my husband is putting it together.  We bought the tree for our 4 older and fat cats.  The cat tree will benefit all of our fat cats because it will stimulate them to move, play and jump around.  An increase of movement will burn calories and aid in weight reductions.

 

Cat Tree for Large Cats

Any movement is better than no movement. All of our cats are rescues that were abandoned when their people moved away.  We tried to find them homes but because of their older age nobody wanted them. 

My 3 rescued cats

We ended up keeping them and we love them very much. However, as soon as these cats got comfortable they stopped being active. Its as if their purpose in life is to eat, sun themselves on the windowsill and sleep.  The sluggish behavior has caused them to put on weight so we bought them a cat tree to stimulate them to want to play and exercise.

 

Sally my calico seems happy about the cat tree

Our one cat Sally the Calico has been watching from afar and she seems generally interested in the cat tree. Our other bored cats have not moved from sleeping on the bed.

 

Sally and sibling Larry being lazy fat cats

We are hoping that after we cover the tree with spray on catnip that our fat cats will stretch to climb on the tree, rub on the tree and scratch their nails on the tree.  This activity would be much needed exercise and would benefit their shoulders, hindquarters and back.

 

All activity is exercise for a Fat Cat

This cat tree comes with a toy that is dangling from one of the ledges. This toy will encourage the cat to stretch their paw to play with the toy.  Another way to exercise.

 

The location of the cat tree matters.  My husband set it up in the laundry room next to the large window.  The placement will entice the cats to climb to the top post so they can look out the window at the birds and the squirrels.  This location should keep them interested.  Nothing better than a cat tree with a view or nature.

If you have a cat that is putting on weight, or has a slow metabolism you can stimulate the cat to be active with a cat tree. Exercise along with low carbohydrate diet is best for a fat cat.

 We bought ours at Chewy but you can find cat trees at many online and offline stores like Pet Smart, Amazon, Walmart and I think eBay has cat trees also.  Do check the product reviews before you buy to make sure that its quality made, and if the size is right for your cats.  Some trees are made for kittens or small cats other trees are made for large cats.

What to Consider Before Adopting an Older Cat

 

I think it’s wonderful that you are considering adopting an older cat rather than a kitten but there are some things you should consider before you adopt.

 

In the past I have matched up older cats with senior citizens in my neighborhood.  I have also adopted older cats to people who work out of the home eight hours a day. The older cat is more laid back and do not require attention like a kitten. As long as you spend quality time with the cat when you are home  the older cat will probably sleep when you are at work.

 

Older cats seem to be better with adults and kids.   They are calmer, they have manners, you don’t have to train them to use scratching posts or litter box.  Many older cats that are being rehomed do not jump on counters. They like to be petted and some will cuddle up next to you to sleep.

 

Older cats know how to entertain themselves

Before you adopt an older cat its smart to ask for a veterinarian health report.  This report will tell you if the cat is up to date with vaccines, if they have any serious illness and if they have been sterilized.  

Inquire about the cat’s personality, if it needs a special diet, and if the older cats get along with kids, other pets’ cat or dogs. 

Consider that cats that are rehomed or adopted from a shelter will need an adjustment period. Don’t expect them to be affectionate and loving toward you as soon as you bring them home.

Why Cats Eat Grass

  

 

 

We have been taking care of a colony of outdoor cats for a long time and in that time, we have observed the cats eating grass.  The cats do not eat any type of grass they seem to know what grass is best.  After they consume the grass the cats’ vomit so I assumed the grass was to cure stomach upset.

 

outdoor cat eating grass

On other occasions the outdoor cats will eat grass and they do not vomit.  My veterinarian told me that grass is high in fiber and that it can help the cats with digestion and constipation. 

 

In addition to high fiber content, grass also contains folic acid.  Without enough folic acid, cats can develop anemia and a lack of oxygen.

 

cat grass I grew my cat likes it

When I learned this I decided to grow grass for my indoor cats so I bought the grass seed package and planter that was being sold at Pet Smart and Amazon.  What I noticed is that my cats really like grass.  They seem to like the taste.  I like the grass because the chlorophyll in the grass helps to keep their breath fresh.

 

Very easy to grow water once and seeds germinate

If you have indoor cats then its best to grow grass for them.  Its not wise to just let your cat outdoors to grass in your neighborhood because many lawns are treated with chemicals, pesticides, weed killers and those chemicals will hurt your cat. 

Senior Citizens Should Adopt a Cat

Recently I was asked if senior citizens should adopt a cat and I said yes because cats are wonderful companions for senior citizens.  Many of the seniors residing in my community are living alone their adult children and grandkids visit them during the holidays. My neighbors are lonely and I think a cat is good company for them.

 

But not all cats should live with a senior citizen.  They may ask for a kitten but kittens are a lot of work, they may be cute but they are not socialized, and can be too much work for a senior citizen, especially when they go through their biting stage. 

 

I never recommend kittens for a senior citizen because kittens may be too much energy for a senior.  Kittens require a lot of attention and physically may be too much for a senior citizen.  Plus kittens require vaccines and sterilization and those costs might be too much for a senior citizen that is living on a fixed income. 

  

 

I do recommend adult shorthair cats that are older. An adult cat is a good match because they are calmer, have good manners, and major expenses for vaccines and sterilization have already been taken care of.  And the short hair cat does not require so much grooming.  Seniors or retirees may have arthritis and brushing a longhair cat might be too much for them.   

 

The life expectancy for a cat is 15 years, that’s a long commitment should a senior citizen adopt a kitten. Whereas an adult cat aged five or older life expectancy is better suited for a person who is a senior citizen.

 

I also think that an adult cat would be a wonderful addition to a nursing home or another facility for the aging.  The cat would provide stimulation and joy as the cats may curl up on the bed to sleep with the residents, or they would lie on their laps.  The resident cat would impact the lives of the residents in a nursing home positively.   Plus cats are easier to take care of than a resident dog.

Cats are Carnivores Not Vegetarians

 My veterinarian told me to feed my cats high-protein food that had meat as the number one ingredient. That cats were carnivores, not vegetarians.  He used the example that you never see stray cats eating an ear of corn but you will see them eating a mouse. 

So whenever I shop for cat food I remember what my veterinarian told me and look for foods that have animal protein, chicken, fish, beef, or lamb as a primary ingredient. 

Lately, I have been finding a lot of food with corn, in fact, many of the foods have corn as the primary ingredient.   I feed the outdoor cats a kibble that was said to be Complete Essentials but that food has filler foods including corn gluten, grain, and soy.  

Corn, soy, peas, potatoes, and wheat are filler foods to make the bag heavier I guess.  These filler foods are substituted for protein and they are high in carbohydrates. 

Cat food that is high in carbohydrates usually makes my cats fat and causes them to have digestion issues. Some cats are allergic to corn and grains, and cat food high in carbs may cause some cats to become obese or get diabetes.  

Remember my veterinarian said that carnivore cats need to eat animal protein and that it should be the number one ingredient. 

I know it's hard to find cat food that has high animal protein so I would recommend shopping for limited ingredients. Shop for cat food that has no fillers’ corn, wheat, soy, peas, and potatoes.  Remember that less expensive cat food has corn that is the first ingredient and that corn is flavored to taste like chicken.   

Teaching Rescued Cats to Use Scratching Post

 You would think that scratching a cat tree or post would be natural for a cat but when it comes to a rescued stray cat that has been out on the streets the scratching post is unfamiliar to them and you must teach rescued cats that the post is where they scratch not the side of the sofa or on the wall.

 

Stray cats are accustomed to scratching on tree trunks, not a sisal cat scratching post. 

Before you teach the cat how to use a scratching post you must shop for a cat tree or freestanding scratching post. Choose the right post for the cat's size (many scratching posts are created for small cats then there are posts for large cats). 

 

It’s a good idea to buy a few to set up in areas in your home where the cat frequents.  My rescued stray cat is a window dweller so I set up a cat tree with a scratching post in my laundry room and another one in the living room.

 

Many scratching posts come with a cat toy that dangles from the top.  This toy is a good way to divert your cat’s attention. However, a cat that has been rescued and has lived outdoors is not impressed with the dangling toy unless it is scented with catnip.  

Spray catnip on the toy and the scratching post. Give it a good catnip soaking.  Then watch your cat and as soon as they go to scratch your furniture pick them up and take them to the scratching post.  Gently place their paws on the side of the post.  At that time, they will smell the catnip and will naturally scratch and rub it all over the post or cat tree.

Praise the cat for being so good “What a good kitty, using the scratching post” Positive reinforcement goes a long way. 

Stock up on catnip spray because you will have to spray the scratching posts daily.  You will also have to continue to remove your cat from inappropriate scratching places until the cats learns that the post is where they need to scratch.

How to Keep Cats off Counters

 Whenever I am in the kitchen my kitties always want to be close to me so they will hop up onto the counters and lie down.  Know that I am not a fan of cats lying on my kitchen counters and know not to scold them and tell them that they are being bad because that would only frighten them and in their mind they just want to be close to me.  

Know that training the cats to stay off the counters is not easy but when you train with positive reinforcement your cat will learn to stay off the counters eventually.

 

The first thing you should do is make your kitchen counters unfriendly and uncomfortable.  Place double-sided sticky tape along the edge of the counters and where your cat likes to lie.  Cats really do not like the tape on their paws.

You can try to repel the cats from your counter by using scents that cats do not like.  Cats are very sensitive to citrus lemon lime and peppermint.  So spray your counters with the juice of a fresh lemon and lime, then spray peppermint on top of that.  These scents should repel cats from your kitchen counters. 

Another way to keep cats off your counters is to distract your cat by buying them a cat tree and spraying that tree with catnip. The tree will then be more desirable than the kitchen counter.  Set the tree up in an area where the cat can still see you in the kitchen.  This will satisfy their need to be close to you

 

Set up a cat room that is away from the kitchen.  In the room have a cat tree, toys, food water, a litter box, cozy beds, and a window.  When it's time for you to cook then it's time for your kitty to have a time out in the cat room.  When you are finished with kitchen duties you can let your cat out of the room.

My Senior Cat Had a Stroke

 On Friday my husband decided to groom our senior cat since she wasn’t grooming herself. Our veterinarian gave us medication to relax her and we followed the instructions that were provided.  Our cat had no problem with the grooming, in fact, she was such a good girl purring when my husband used the hair mat remover tool. When the grooming was completed, she went to lie in her bed and overnight she must have had a stroke.

My cat Sally (Calico) takes care of Franny

The following morning my cat did not come to greet me, she normally will sit on my chest when I am sleeping and make a vocal sound that sounds like “nip”.  If I don’t respond she will tap me on my nose with her paw.  This method of waking me up in the morning is adorable. But on this morning she did not do it, I slept in and awoke wondering where my cat was.

Both my husband and I looked for her and finally found her in the laundry room.  Something was wrong as she tried to come to us but her back legs were not working.  It was frightening to see my cat not being able to walk, she had a stupor look on her face, and every time she tried to come to me she fell over to her side and her head looked tilted.

 

Sally my calico cat will not leave Franny, Sally is so caring

I told my husband that our 18-year-old rescued cat was having a stroke.  Normally we would rush her to the veterinarian but since none were open on the weekend and the closest ER vet was two hours away. We put her in her heated bed, I gave her fluids and we hoped for the best.

 

In the past, my other rescued senior cat had a stroke and I knew that there was no specific treatment for strokes in cats and dogs.  At the time I had called my veterinarian at his home and he told me to keep my cat comfortable and that most pets tend to recover in a few weeks.  Unfortunately, he was no longer my veterinarian so I had to take care of our cat from what I knew from experience with previous cats.

I confined Franny to our guest bathroom, as it is a room that she likes.  I provided her with a litter box, her heated bed, food, and water.  I gave her fluids through a syringe and put wet senior cat food on the plate for her to eat.  Our cat was still eating and drinking and by Sunday she regained her feeling in her legs and used her litter box. Before Sunday she was going on a wee wee pad that we bought at Pet Smart and I was cleaning her.

 

Franny is coming out of a stroke and has the will to live.  But her eyes look different to me and her gait is not the same.  I know that she is past her life expectancy as the average lifespan for a cat is age (13 to 15).  My cat seems to be extraordinary as she is age 18 with only slight arthritis and cataracts before her stroke.

We plan to take her to the veterinarian first thing on Monday morning. Until then I will continue to take care of my cat by providing her with privacy away from other cats and the dog, and I will sit with her, talk to her, and pet her.  Also, make sure that she is getting enough fluids and wet food to eat.

 

** Franny was abandoned by her people when she was approximately 15 years old. We found her sitting in the rain in our side yard.  She had cataracts on her eyes and seemed disoriented, no collar, and no chip we took her in and cared for her.  Both my husband and I wanted to give her a good end-of-life experience.  

About Outdoor Cat Hyperthermia

  

Yesterday on my Facebook page there was a discussion and apparently, some people think that during the winter season, snow will keep cats hydrated.  I let them know that snow is toxic to cats and that ingesting snow when the temperature outdoors is below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit) puts cats at risk of hyperthermia.

 

It's not safe for your cat to eat snow because of the waste chemicals in the snow.  The other reason is that when a cat eats snow, that snow will lower the cat's core temperature making the cat feel colder and putting the cat at risk of hyperthermia.

When the temperature is below freezing and the cat has no outdoor shelter they are at risk for hyperthermia.

 Hyperthermia is a serious health condition that can become life-threatening if your cat cannot restore its core body temperature this occurs in cold climates, where the outdoor temperature is bitterly cold and temperature is not warming up.  Hyperthermia occurs when your cat's core temperature remains below normal for an extended period.

If you suspect a cat is suffering hypothermia; symptoms to watch for are cold skin, shivering, slow heartbeat, no motion, or pale gums. Many times a cat just sitting in the snow on a bitter cold day is a sign that the cat is suffering hyperthermia and you must take that cat to the veterinarian immediately.  

 

Outdoor Cats Breed Seasonally in Cold Climates

 Many people will tell you that outdoor queen cats breed continuously and that one unaltered stray cat can populate the community with thousands of cats in their lifetime. Know that is not the case for a cat that resides in an area that has a change of seasons. The average queen cat that breeds seasonally has approximately 300 kittens in their lifetime.  

 

 

Cats that  lives outdoors in areas where the temperature is cold the daylight is short and days are dark do not go into a reproductive cycle.  The outdoor feral cat only breeds from spring to fall when the weather is warm, and days are longer.

Our winters are bitter cold and the unaltered stray cats do not go into their reproductive cycle until mid-spring or after the snow has melted and days are warm and becoming longer. 

The queen cats will mate two times during our summer months although some feral queen cats do mate up to three times during the warm season it all depends on if we have an early spring.

.Cats will stop breeding in autumn when the daylight is shorter and the temperature is cooler / cold  Outdoor cats sense when it’s the warm season and time to breed.

* female cats that are not spayed are called queens and male cats that are not neutered are 

Winter Ready Trixie Cat House

  

We bought the Trixie cat house from Chewy.com a few years ago.  We set up by adding a cooling mat and straw on the floor.   A feral cat went into the house and seemed to like it.   When the season started to change, we knew that we had to make this small pine wood house winter-ready.

The house sits off the ground which is good but the floorboards promote air circulation which is bad for our winters.  So we covered the floor walls and interior of the hinged asphalt shingled roof with reflective insulation.  Then we filled it with a hefty layer of wheat straw.

The insulation was fine for the cool days and nights of autumn but when the rain came the overhang did not keep the interior dry and the water seemed to come in the straw and the insulated walls were wet  So, we took the house apart by removing the wet straw and insulation.

The darkness on the back wall is wet from the rain

We brought the house indoors so it could dry out and once it was dry my husband worked to insulate the house for winter and to stop the leaking.  To get the Trixie house ready for winter we added the reflective insulation on all interior walls. To stop the wind and the rain from coming in from the side walls we wrapped the house with bubble wrap.  Wheat straw was added so that the kitty could burrow in the straw and keep warm during the winter months.

Since the house does not have an overhang, and feral cats are afraid of the door flaps we set the house up under our deck to protect it from rain and snow. 

Our winters are bitterly cold and think that this winter-ready Trixie house will now provide a perfect shelter for a stray or feral cat.